BI1354, Plant-microbe interactions, 15.0 Hp
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Syllabus

Finalized by: PN - S, 2018-11-15
Valid from : Autumn semester 2019 (2019-09-02)

Level

Second cycle (A1N)

Main field of study

Biology

Grading Scale

5 / 4 / 3 / U

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Course language

English

Entry Requirements

Objectives

Plants are in contact with a large number of microorganisms, some of which damage the plant while others are beneficial. The course deals with interactions between plants and microbes for both pathogenic and symbiotic interactions. Infection mechanisms, plant defence and ecological consequences are covered. The intention is to explain the mechanisms and interactions all the way down to the molecular level wherever that is possible.

After completing the course the students should be able to:

• comprehensively discuss interactions between plants and pathogenic fungi, bacteria and viruses as well as the defence reactions of the host plant (biotic stress)
• comprehensively discuss interactions between plants and non-pathogenic/symbiotic bacteria and fungi
• create hypotheses for why plants and microbes react in certain ways in pathogenic and symbiotic interactions
• demonstrate the ability independently to interpret scientific results to understand regulation and responses in plant-microbe interactions
• demonstrate the ability to use knowledge about plant-microbe interactions in the control of plant diseases and to stimulate plant growth
• demonstrate insight into the consequences, on population and ecosystem level, of compatible and incompatible interactions

Content

In the course, interactions between plants and microbes are discussed on general and detailed level for both pathogenic and symbiotic interactions. Infection mechanisms, defence of plants, stress responses and a large number of important problems within agriculture, horticulture and forestry are taken up. Examples are brought from ongoing research at SLU and are presented by the researchers themselves. Topics that are covered are:

• infection mechanisms; attachment; pathogen effectors; the role of toxins and other compounds; invasion of plant tissue; subversion of host cell biology
• establishment of symbiotic relations (mycorrhiza, rhizobium)
• interplay of plants with the microbiome and its effect on plant growth and health
• resistance mechanisms against attack by plant pathogens (including nematodes) and insects; gene-for-gene interactions; pathogen recognition; induced resistance; non-host resistance
• ecological consequences of resistance and susceptibility to pathogens and insect pests at population level
• commonalities and differences in defence responses to biotic and abiotic stimuli

The course consists of Lectures, Laboratory practicals (compulsory), Seminars (compulsory), Project work (compulsory), Exercises, Self studies, Examination and evaluation.

Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course

The course contains compulsory parts (laboratory practicals, seminars, project work) Approved written and oral exams, active participation in compulsory seminars and exercises, oral and written presentations of project work.

•  If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.
• The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.
• If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.
• For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Responsible Department/Equivalent

Department of Plant Biology

Cooperating departments

Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology

Supplementary information

Included in program

• Plant Biology for Sustainable Production - Master's Programme
• Plant Biology for Sustainable Production - Master's programme

Module set

Title	Credits	Code
Single module	15.0	0101

Other Information

The course is given in the faculty common master’s programme Plant Biology for Sustainable Production.

• The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.
• If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.